Gripping mitt with single flap for water sports

ABSTRACT

This invention, gripping mitt with single flap for water sports, incorporates a water proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The mitt has a single flap that has a hook and loop material such as velcro incorporated into the single flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite “hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastened position. When the gripping mitt with single flap is in use, the single flap of the mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the user can make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of the mitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. The gripping mitt with flap has additional innovative features.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of application Ser. No.11/880,363 filed on Jul. 19, 2007.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of devices that assistphysically disabled people to achieve superior results in spite of theirphysical disability. The instant invention generally relates to sportsdevices that aid individuals having physical disabilities to participatein sports activities in a superior fashion in spite of their physicaldisability. This invention more specifically relates to a gripping mittwith a single flap to be utilized in conjunction with paddles for watersports.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some individuals have impaired hand gripping abilities. The impairedhand gripping ability may be the result of an accident, or nerve damage,or muscle damage or sickness, or arthritis, or carpal tunnel syndrome,or a stroke, or Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis, or overuseof a hand, or other reasons or combinations thereof, etc.

Many individuals that have impaired hand grips are unable to fullyparticipate in sports related activities because they are unable toadequately grasp handles of sports related devices. Examples of suchsports related handles include canoe and/or kayak paddles.

Often a person with an impaired hand grip may be able to participate ina sports related activity if it were not for the impaired hand grip. Theproblem of impaired hand grip may be tho only reason a person can notenjoy sports related activities such as paddling a canoe or paddling akayak.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention, gripping mitt with flap for water sports, incorporates awater proof mitt that fits over the hand of a user that has difficultygripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddlehandles. The mitt is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. Themitt has a single flap that has a Hook and loop material such as velcroincorporated into the flap. The palm side of the mitt has an opposite“hook and loop” material that holds the single flap in a fastenedposition. When the gripping mitt with flap is in use, the single flap ofthe mitt surrounds a paddle handle and holds the paddle so that the usercan make paddle strokes. The hook and loop material on the palm of themitt and the hook and loop material on the single flap provide thegripping force that keeps the hand attached to the paddle.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of asports related device such as a canoe paddle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that assists someone with impaired gripping abilities inholding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that is easy to place onto and take off a hand of a user.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that is relatively easy to manufacture.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that would be rugged and reusable.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that would not be affected by getting wet and drying outrepeatedly.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that would be relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of asports related device such as a canoe paddle with sufficient grippingforces so that tasks such as paddling a canoe can be done despite thegripping impairment.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that is ergonomically designed to assist the user ingripping tasks and also will provide a comfortable fit.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that could be easily made to fit many different handsizes.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that can be used on a right hand or a left hand. Separateright hand versions and separate left hand versions are not necessary.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that is would enable the user to easily let go of thehandle of a sports related device, if so desired.

It is an object of the invention to provide a sports gripping mitt witha single flap that would enable a variety sports related handles to besecurely retained in a users hand even if the user has impaired grippingabilities.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above and other objects of theinvention are obtained, a more particular description of the inventionbriefly described above will be rendered by reference to specificembodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings.Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of theinvention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of itsscope, the invention will be described and explained with additionalspecificity and detail through the use of the accompanying annexeddrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of the sports gripping mitt with flap that assiststhe wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as acanoe paddle.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a sports gripping mitt with flapthat assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports relateddevice such as a canoe paddle. The to dorsal side of the mitt is shownand the user's fingers surround the handle.

FIG. 3 is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assiststhe wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as acanoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tighteningstrap is in the closed position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assiststhe wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as acanoe paddle. The dorsal side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tighteningstrap is in the open position.

FIG. 5 is a top view of a sports gripping mitt with flap that assiststhe wearer in holding onto a handle of a sports related device such as acanoe paddle. The palm side of the mitt is shown. A wrist tighteningstrap is in the open position.

The objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent whenthe drawings are studied in conjunction with reading the followingdescription and also reading the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In keeping with the requirements of Patent Laws there is describedherein below the best mode of the invention that is currently known tothe applicant. For the purposes of promoting an understanding of theprinciples of the invention, reference will now be made to theembodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will beused to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that nolimitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, suchalterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, andsuch further applications of the principles of the invention asillustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to oneskilled in the art to which the invention relates.

With reference now to the drawings, and in particular, to FIGS. 1-5thereof, the preferred embodiment of the new sports gripping mitt with asingle flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle of a sportsrelated device such as a canoe paddle. The preferred design embodies theprinciples and concepts of the present invention and generallydesignated by the reference number 10 will be described.

FIG. 1 shown generally at 10 is a side view of the sports gripping mittwith a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handle toof a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports relateddevices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12is made of a waterproof material such as neoprene. The neoprene couldhave a nylon covering on the outside of the mitt as well as the insideof the mitt. Mitt has a dorsal side 13 and a palm side 14 that has hookmaterial 15. The mitt has a single flap 16 that has loop material 17.Mitt has a wrist opening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The grippingmitt has side stitching 22. The handle 28 of a paddle is shown withsports gripping mitt 12 with the single flap 16 surrounding the handle28. Palm side 14 of mitt 12 has gripping section 29. When the paddle isin use the hook material 15 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 andthe loop material 17 on the single flap 16 provide the gripping forcethat keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tightening strap 30has hook and loop material 32 and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook andloop material 36 for engaging hook and loop material 32 on tighteningstrap 30. Single flap 16 has a quick release tab 16A.

FIG. 2 shown generally at 40 is a top side view of the sports grippingmitt with a single flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handleof a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports relateddevices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12has a dorsal side 13 and a palm side 14 that has hook material 15. Themitt has a single flap 16 that has loop material 17. Mitt has a wristopening 20 for the wrist of a user 21. The gripping mitt has sidestitching 22. The handle 28 of a paddle is shown with sports grippingmitt with flap 12 surrounding the handle 28. Palm side 14 of mitt 12 hasgripping section 29. When the paddle is in use the hook material 15 onthe palm 14 of the gripping mitt 12 and the loop material 17 on thesingle flap 16 provide the gripping force that keeps the hand attachedto the paddle. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loop material 32and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook material 36 for engaging loopmaterial 32 on tightening strap 30. Wrist tightening strap 30 is in atightened position.

FIG. 3 shown generally at 50 is a top view of the dorsal the sportsgripping mitt with flap that assists the wearer in holding onto a handleof a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proof mitt 12fits over the hand of a user that has difficulty gripping sports relateddevices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The gripping mitt 12is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neoprene and hasa dorsal side 13 and a palm side (not shown) Mitt has a wrist opening 20for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22 andside stitching 23. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loopmaterial 32 (not shown) and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook and loopmaterial 36 for engaging hook and loop material 32 (not shown) ontightening strap 30. Wrist tightening strap 30 is in a tightenedposition. This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from asingle piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge 39 andstitched edges 22 and 23. Single flap 16 has quick release tab 16A.Gripping mitt has a single pocket that enclosed the entire hand 51 of auser. The same mitt can be used for a right hand or a left hand. Thissimplifies the design and manufacturing process.

FIG. 4 shown generally at 60 is a top view of the dorsal surface 13 ofthe sports gripping mitt 12 that assists the wearer in holding onto ahandle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle. A water proofmitt 12 fits over the hand of a user who has difficulty gripping sportsrelated devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddle handles. The grippingmitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such as nylon covered neopreneand has a dorsal side 13 and a palm side (not shown.) Mitt has a wristopening 20 for the wrist of a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching22 and side stitching 23. A wrist tightening strap 30 has hook and loopmaterial 32 and release tab 34. Mitt 12 has hook and loop material 36for engaging hook and loop material 32 tightening strap 30. Wristtightening strap 30 is in an unfastened position. Mitt 12 has a slit 35down the side of the wrist opening 20 to allow greater ease of donningthe mitt 12. This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cut from asingle piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge 39 to andstitched edges 22. Product names could be printed or stitched on tovarious parts of the mitt. An example might be WaterSport GripMitt 61.Company names could be printed or stitched on to various parts of themitt also. An example might be Island Outfitters 62.

FIG. 5 shown generally at 70 is a top view of the palm side of thesports gripping mitt with a single flap that assists the wearer inholding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.A water proof mitt 12 fits over the hand of a user that has difficultygripping sports related devices such as canoe and/or kayak paddlehandles. The gripping mitt 12 is made of a waterproof material such asnylon covered neoprene and has a dorsal side 13 (not shown) and a palmside 14 that has hook and loop material 15. The mitt has flap 16 thathas hook and loop material 17. Mitt has a wrist opening 20 for the wristof a user. The gripping mitt has side stitching 22. When the paddle isin use the hook and loop material 15 on the palm 14 of the gripping mitt12 and the hook and loop material 17 on the flap 16 provide the grippingforce that keeps the hand attached to the paddle. A wrist tighteningstrap 30 has hook and loop material 32 (not shown) and release tab 34.Wrist tightening strap is in an unfastened position. Palm side 14 ofmitt 12 has gripping section 29 and an access aperture 71. Accessaperture 71 is located on the gripping section 29 of palm side 14 ofmitt 12. The gripping section 29 is made of a tacky or gripping materialon the surface to prevent the paddle shaft from slipping or rotatingwhile being gripped. Gripping section 29 can be made of a separatematerial and fastened to the palm area by adhesives or by stitching.Gripping section could be made from various materials such as “Dycem” oran non-covered neoprene. Access aperture 17 enables a user to get intothe inside of the mitt 12 if so desired. A palm side access opening isimportant because often someone that has impaired use of a hand has nomuscular control of the fingers. Therefore when a gripping mitt ispulled over an impaired hand the fingers will be folded over toward thatpersons wrist. If the users fingers are folded over, the mitt cannotfunction properly. A person with one impaired hand can use their otherhand and fingers to reach through the palm side access opening, into theinside of the palm side of the mitt to straighten out the bent overfingers so that those fingers are in the proper straightened outposition inside the mitt. Alternately, another person could use theirhand and fingers to reach through the palm side access opening, into theinside of the palm side of the mitt to straighten out the bent overfingers of a user so that a users fingers are in the proper straightenedout position inside the mitt. Access opening could be different lengthsfor different applications. A three inch long slit would Mitt 12 has aslit 35 down the side of the wrist opening 20 to allow greater ease ofdonning the mitt 12. This embodiment of the gripping mitt has been cutfrom a single piece of nylon covered material and has folded edge 39 andstitched edges 22. Mitt 12 has an opening finger tip end drain opening72 to allow water to drain out of the mitt finger tip end of the mitt.Finger tip drain opening 72 could be different sizes. Finger tip drainopening 72 could be as long as the width of said single flap 16 which is2 and ¼ inches wide. Single flap 16 has a quick release tab 16A thereon.There could be numerous sizes for mitts with single flaps. A mitt lengthcould be approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches wide. Single flapcould be 2 and ¼ wide and 6 inches long. Gripping section could be 5inches wide and 3 and ½ inches tall. Access opening could be manylengths. A length of 3 inches for an access opening would seem to be aminimum length. However, and access opening could be less than 3 inchesif so desired.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap is unique and clearlyprovides a simple solution to an impaired grip problem.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer inholding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddle.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists someone withimpaired gripping abilities in holding onto a handle of a sports relateddevice such as a canoe paddle.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is easy to place ontoand take off a hand of a user.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap that is relatively easy tomanufacture.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be rugged andreusable.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap would not be affected bygetting wet and drying out repeatedly.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap would be relativelyinexpensive to manufacture.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap assists the wearer inholding onto a handle of a sports related device such as a canoe paddlewith sufficient gripping forces so that tasks such as paddling a canoecan be done despite the gripping impairment.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap is ergonomically designedto assist the user in gripping tasks and also will provide a comfortablefit.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap could be easily made to fitmany different hand sizes.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap that can be used on a righthand or a left hand. Separate right hand versions and separate left handversions are not necessary.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable the user toeasily let go of the handle of a sports related device if so desired.

It should be very clear from the drawings and the above description thatthis sports gripping mitt with a single flap would enable many sportsrelated handles to be securely retained in a users hand even if the userhas impaired gripping abilities.

This invention having been described in its presently contemplated bestmode, it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous, variations,modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those skilledin the art and without departing from the true spirit and scope of thenovel concepts or principles of this invention.

Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyemployed herein are for the purpose of description and should not beregarded as limiting. It should be understood that the preferredembodiment has been shown and described and that all changes andmodifications that come within the spirit of the invention are desiredto be protected. The invention is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced and carried out in various ways. As such, those skilledin the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which thisdisclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for thedesigning of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out theseveral purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore,that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructionsinsofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined by thescope of the following claims.

1. A sports related gripping mitt comprising: a mitt shaped to fit overa human hand including an opening that encircles the wrist of a userwhen a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt; said mitt encloses theentire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb; said mitthaving a single pocket for enclosing the entire hand of a user includingfour fingers and a thumb; said mitt having a mitt outer surface and amitt inner surface; said mitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsalside; said mitt palm side having a gripping section thereon; saidgripping section having a non-slip, or, a tacky surface thereon; saidgripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm side accessopening therethrough; said palm side access opening extending betweensaid mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm sideaccess opening being substantially a slit; said mitt made of a flexiblewaterproof material; said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mittfingertip end; said mitt finger tip end having a single strap fastenedthereto; said single strap having a palm side and a dorsal side; saidpalm side of said single strap having one component of hook and loopfastening material thereon; said mitt finger tip end having a drainopening therethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip endutilized for draining water from said mitt fingertip end; said wrist endof said palm side of said mitt having an opposite component of hook andloop fastening material thereon; said gripping section on said mitt palmside surrounds and grips a handle of a sports related device when saidhook and loop fastening material on said single strap mates with saidopposite component of said hook and loop fastening material on saidwrist area of said palm side of said mitt.
 2. The sports relatedgripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end drain openingis located adjacent to said single strap.
 3. The sports related grippingmitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt finger tip end having a drain openingis at least one inch long.
 4. The sports related gripping mitt of claim1 wherein said mitt finger tip end having a drain opening is locatedadjacent to said single strap; and said drain opening beingsubstantially as long as the width of said single strap.
 5. The sportsrelated gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said palm side access openingis substantially a linear slit that is at least three inches long. 6.The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made ofa neoprene material.
 7. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1wherein said mitt is made of a nylon covered neoprene material.
 8. Thesports related gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt outer surfacehas a nylon covering thereon; or said mitt inner surface has a nyloncovering thereon.
 9. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1including a wrist strap located on said wrist end of said mitt; saidwrist strap having means for providing a snug fit on said wrist end ofsaid mitt when said wrist strap is tightened.
 10. The sports relatedgripping mitt of claim 1 including a wrist strap located on said wristend of said mitt; said wrist strap having hook and loop material thereonfor mating with hook and loop material on said wrist end of said mitt;said wrist strap having means for providing a snug fit on said wrist endof said mitt when said wrist strap is tightened.
 11. The sports relatedgripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping mitt is suitable for aright hand of a user or a left hand of a user.
 12. The sports relatedgripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said mitt is made of one piece ofwaterproof material that is folded and stitched around the perimeter ofsaid mitt in order to form said mitt.
 13. The sports related grippingmitt of claim 1 including a product name thereon, or including a companyname thereon.
 14. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1 whereinsaid single strap has substantially a rectangular shape.
 15. The sportsrelated gripping mitt of claim 41 wherein said single strap has a quickrelease tap thereon.
 16. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 41wherein said gripping section is made of a different material than thematerial of said mitt.
 17. The sports related gripping mitt of claim 1wherein said gripping section is made of a different material than thematerial of said mitt; and said gripping section is glued to said mitt;or said gripping section is stitched to said mitt.
 18. The sportsrelated gripping mitt of claim 1 wherein said gripping section is madeof a Dycem material; or said gripping section is made of a to neoprenematerial.
 19. A sports related gripping mitt comprising: a mitt shapedto fit over a human hand including an opening that encircles the wristof a user when a hand of a user is inserted into said mitt; said mittencloses the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;said mitt having a single pocket for enclosing the entire hand of a userincluding four fingers and a thumb; said mitt having a mitt outersurface and a mitt inner surface; said mitt having a mitt palm side; anda mitt dorsal side; said mitt palm side having a gripping sectionthereon; said gripping section having a non-slip, or, a tacky surfacethereon; said gripping section on said mitt palm side having a palm sideaccess opening therethrough; said palm side access opening extendingbetween said mitt outer surface and said mitt inner surface; said palmside access opening being substantially a linear slit; said linear slitbeing at least three inches long; said mitt made of a flexible neoprenematerial; said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mitt fingertip end;said mitt finger tip end having a single strap fastened thereto; saidsingle strap having a palm side and a dorsal side; said palm side ofsaid single strap having one component of hook and loop fasteningmaterial thereon; said mitt finger tip end having a drain openingtherethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip end utilized fordraining water from said mitt fingertip end; said wrist end of said palmside of said mitt having an opposite component of hook and loopfastening material thereon; said gripping section on said mitt palm sidesurrounds and grips a handle of a sports related device when said hookand loop fastening material on said single strap mates with saidopposite component of said hook and loop fastening material on saidwrist area of said palm side of said mitt.
 20. A sports related grippingmitt comprising: a mitt shaped to fit over a human hand including anopening that encircles the wrist of a user when a hand of a user isinserted into said mitt; said mitt encloses the entire hand of a userincluding four fingers and a thumb; said mitt having a single pocket forenclosing the entire hand of a user including four fingers and a thumb;said mitt having a mitt outer surface and a mitt inner surface; saidmitt having a mitt palm side; and a mitt dorsal side; said mitt palmside having a gripping section thereon; said gripping section having anon-slip, or, a tacky surface thereon; said gripping section being madeof a different material than the material of said mitt; said grippingsection on said mitt palm side having a palm side access openingtherethrough; said palm side access opening extending between said mittouter surface and said mitt inner surface; said palm side access openingbeing substantially a linear slit; said mitt made of a nylon coveredneoprene material; said mitt having a mitt wrist end and a mittfingertip end; said mitt finger tip end having a single strap fastenedthereto; said single strap having a palm side and a dorsal side; saidpalm side of said single strap having one component of hook and loopfastening material thereon; said mitt finger tip end having a drainopening therethrough; said drain opening on said mitt fingertip endutilized for draining water from said mitt fingertip end; said drainopening being located adjacent to said single strap; said wrist end ofsaid palm side of said mitt having an opposite component of hook andloop fastening material thereon; said gripping section on said mitt palmside surrounds and grips a handle of a sports related device when saidhook and loop fastening material on said single strap mates with saidopposite component of said hook and loop fastening material on saidwrist area of said palm side of said mitt.